3rd hand info from Germany

[Last E92 M3]

Originally Posted by Trpltrbl

Generally the eurospec M3, S4, RS4, R32 are faster and better.
Reason why more expensive is the taxsystem.
You pay easily up to 35-40% more taxes on a car in certain European countries.
I can give you guys some numbers and calculate it for you, but I won't. Have better things to do with my time :rocks:

i know that.
comparing it to asian countries, that's nothing

[Last E92 M3]

Originally Posted by Smoltz

That was true years ago, but is no longer the case. The US E46 M3 and Euro E46 M3 were identical aside from the catylytic converters and bumper reflectors. This probably sapped a little bit of power but nothing that couldn't be fixed with simply replacing the headers. The B6 S4 and Euro S4 were identical save for headlights, and door flares, the US R32 actually has MORE power than the european counter part due to the larger MAF/intake (3" vs. 2.5"), the US R32 does have softer suspension and was rumored to weigh more. The euro RS4 and us RS4 have a number of differences, but it's mostly due to US regulation, nothing Audi can do about that.

To say that today, the eurospec cars are faster and better is simply not true. There may be some desieralbe features/options that aren't available here, but when you look at the cost (even if you disregard tax), we're still getting a great deal.

-Adam

that's what i meant. i don't think it's worth the cost you are paying. (comparing US and other countries)

[m_bazeepaymon]

Originally Posted by Last E92 M3

that's what i meant. i don't think it's worth the cost you are paying. (comparing US and other countries)

if you have the money

AN M3 is always worh it

[ILC32]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

NO ONE OUTSIDE BMW AG GETS TO DRIVE A PROTOTYPE BEFORE LAUNCH UNLESS FOR PRESS OR MEDIA PURPOSE .

This also goes for the tuning market .

Thank you for invalidating this hoax. I'm surprised so many people believed it in the first place.

[Trpltrbl]

They like to hear what they want to believe

[m_bazeepaymon]

Originally Posted by Trpltrbl

They like to hear what they want to believe

+1

[JK42]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

NO ONE OUTSIDE BMW AG GETS TO DRIVE A PROTOTYPE BEFORE LAUNCH UNLESS FOR PRESS OR MEDIA PURPOSE .

This also goes for the tuning market .

Actually, people do.

I know people who work for suppliers of BMW (third party software suppliers for their cars etc.) who have driven things like the E60 with the 550i 4.8L V8 like 1-1.5 years before it was in production. Also the new X3 way before production. The 550i was at very mule car stage without any noise insulation.

They do have strict NDAs and they won't be posting on the Internet about these things.

Best regards,

Jussi

[SCOTT26]

When I am talking about "outside" I mean tuning companys specifically as Senior BMW management have a love hate relationship with Tuners except Alpina they are practically family. "suppliers etc are within BMW AG because of their contract to supply so naturally they would get to evaluate their ideas and projects in BMW's prototypes...

[JK42]

Not to split hairs here, but however that still invalidates your strict statement of "NO ONE OUTSIDE BMW AG GETS TO DRIVE A PROTOTYPE BEFORE LAUNCH UNLESS FOR PRESS OR MEDIA PURPOSE .". That is simply not so when third party companies who supply and/or work with BMW get full access to test vehicles and mules that are very far (years) from actual launch and published specs.

As far as tuning companies getting access to non-released cars, I agree with you there 100% - I don't think any tuning company would have access to them before their release. And you have to be a major tuner to have exclusive/special access even after that, such as Hartge, who gained access to the S85B50 engine to create the H50. That would have required some co-operation from BMW. They have also earlier gained access to the previous E39 M5 engine to install it to other cars, such as the Z4, and that also requires special partnership with BMW because you can't just go in and buy the engine separately as a spare part - normally you need to return an old engine to receive a new one.

Best regards,

Jussi

[adamr]

is it me only or do other forumites feel that people tend to post a whole lot of BS on the new M3. I remember when the E36 M3 was launched some guy said the yellow is quicker than the black M3 ... would not be surprised if someone posted that ... please guys i seriously doubt BMW releasing a car for the people to MOD .. it aint a ricer car ... even Schnitzer i doubt will have a pre-release in their hands ...

[The CSL]

As Scott26 said, no-one outside BMW AG, but he did say suppliers were within BMW AG (which I pressume is the loosest meaning of the word - they're working in partnership with) so his statement holds true that non-affiliated companies wouldn't have access to the car.